A brewery that has a porter as a flagship beer is just “something that’s not done,” explains Deschutes brewer Veronica Vega, talking about the company’s marquee beverage, Black Butte Porter. With a dark beer as its first, flagship brand, Black Butte defines Deschutes as a radical player. How’s the taste? It has a slight hop bitterness up front, which enhances the distinctive chocolate and roasted finish. Deschutes says the Black Butte is prized for its creamy “mouthfeel” and intense complex flavors.
Since our Beer of the Month is porters, we honor both Deschutes and the Black Butte for bringing this bold beer selection to the national forefront. Here are just a few of the awards: 2009 Bronze Medal (Brown Porter) at the Great American Beer Festival; Gold Medal (Porter Category) at the 2007 Australian Internationar Awards; and Silver Medal at thel Bee 2005 World Beer Championships.